Watermelon Sugar

Watermelon

Photo credit: Charis Chiang 

Did you know that the Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) has an extremely high water content that can be up to 92% of the total weight of its fruit! It is often made into a delicious juice to quench thirst, and can also be eaten fresh. 

The Watermelon plant has a twining growth habit and can grow up to 5 m in length. While it has an extensive root system, it is also shallow. It produces pale yellow solitary flowers.

For rapid growth and fruiting, it is best grown in a warm, sunny and dry climate. Excessive humidity and rainfall will induce excessive vegetative growth and fruit rot. While the seeds take five to 12 days to germinate, depending on the varities, the plant may take 85 to 105 days to mature. 

 

Photo credit: Pauline Tay

The Watermelon Dischidia (Dischidia ovata) is a robust, fast growing vine named for its light green leaves with white to whitish green veins. It produces flowers that are dull orange with a purplish tinge in colour. It can be propagated by seed or stem cutting and grows best in semi-shaded conditions.

Trailing Watermelon Begonia 

Photo credit: Joyce Foo

Native to Singapore, the Trailing Watermelon Begonia (Procris repens) is a small herbaceous creeper naturally found on shady forest floors and moist rocks. The colours of its attractive foliage resemble watermelon rinds, ranging from grey-green, brownish-green, to purplish brown and with a satiny sheen. 

They make a pretty sight when hung from planting baskets, or can also be grown in terrariums as it enjoys high humidity. It prefers consistently moist but well-drained souls as it is prone to rot under constantly waterlogged conditions.